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Petitions filed to block Royal Oak gay rights ordinance

A Royal Oak man said he submitted petitions Tuesday to force a referendum on a new gay rights ordinance in the Detroit suburb.

Fred Birchard said the petitions have 1,226 signatures. They seek repeal of the law that Royal Oak's City Commission approved March 4.

The law would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in the northern Detroit suburb of 57,000.

"The city just shouldn't legislate morality," Birchard told the Detroit Free Press. "The community is furious about this whole business, particularly because they weren't allowed to vote, but then you have the issue on top of that. Most of us don't agree with what the City Commission did."

Mayor Jim Ellison backed the law, saying it would broadcast the city's image as being a place of diversity that protects minorities. The commission approved it on a 6-1 vote.

"I will continue to vote my conscience. I think the citizens of Royal Oak are ready for this," he told The Daily Tribune.

The law has been on hold since Birchard submitted 100 signatures before it was scheduled to take effect.

If at least 746 signatures are found to be valid, the commission can decide between repealing the ordinance or sending it to a vote of the public.

City Clerk Melanie Halas said she should know Wednesday if there are enough valid signatures.

Birchard led the successful 2001 campaign to block a similar law in 2001.

The law would protect gay, transgender, bisexual and other people from being denied housing, employment and public business services. Violations would have been a civil infraction punishable by a fine of up to $500 plus costs.

City Commissioner Jim Rasor said he will not vote to repeal the law and predicted voters will overwhelmingly affirm it.

"I look forward to having the voters speak on the issue, he said. "I have no doubt they will affirm equal rights and equality and fairness in Royal Oak. ...

"In Michigan, 56 percent of the people support gay marriage and 2:1 support equal rights. ... Royal Oak is a very diverse, youthful, cosmopolitan city. I think Mr. Birchard is on the wrong side of history and lives in a world where it's OK to hate."